Nancy Lu Rosenheim is an artist based in Chicago and a professor of art at Northeastern Illinois University. With over 40 years of experience, she has engaged in various residencies to challenge herself and foster her artistic growth. She shared her reflection about her residency with Studio 88 here.
Her artistic practice encompasses mixed media, sculpture, painting, printmaking, and works on paper, all with a focus on narrative, fiction, and metaphor. Recently, she has been exploring hybrid characters that combine elements of humans, animals, and plants.
Studio 88 has been instrumental in her journey, helping her learn local stories and discover materials like handmade paper. Visits to different inspiring locations have further enriched her exploration of both traditional and contemporary narratives. The thematic residencies offered by Studio 88 provide a unique opportunity for artists.
“The way that Studio 88 has, that Aom has, of working in theme-based residencies is,
I think it’s such an opportunity for artists.”
One significant experience was meeting a home gallery owner, director, and collector in Chiang Mai. Engaging with him and the local art community, and seeing his collection, provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about the depth of artistic experimentation and social interaction in the area.
A highlight of her residency was the final exhibit at Studio 88. The audience’s engagement was a revelation, making the experience feel refreshingly new after over 30 years of exhibiting. She showcased sketches and notes on hybrid entities inspired by Thailand, and the response was fantastic, leaving her with new stories and connections.
“The exhibit that we did at the end was a revelation for me because of the audience.
The people that came were so engaged in the work. I’ve been exhibiting for at least 30 years
but this particular event really was new to me.”
Looking ahead, her immediate goal is to return home with the research and drawings she has started. Although they may not be polished, they are filled with intriguing imagery. She plans to see how these ideas develop over the next year and how they can be integrated into her broader artistic practice.
Watch video of Nancy’s reflection here.
Read more about Nancy’s residency with us here.
If you would like to join our art community, Studio 88 is accepting applications on an ongoing basis. Check out our residency program and apply now.
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